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Church Tour

Frohe Weinachten und einen guten Rutsch!

 I really should change the title of the post that says the adventure is over. It's not really over, but the end is in sight. Looks like we'll be here for 3 more months, as it would be impossible to return to Alaska where they've had record snows before then. I also need to get some of my money's worth at the Sprachschule (language school), as well. 

So, it's nearly 50 degrees F today. Yesterday was nearly as warm when I went with Fr. Gregory and Fr. Samuel on a personally-guided church tour. Regensburg, in fact all of Germany, has these breath-takingly beautiful churches. The one pictured above is in Baroque style. It's the Basilica of the Nativity of Our Lady, and is one of the most important churches in Germany. The elaborate decoration is a later addition, added in the 18th century. 

About half the churches we wanted to visit were closed for the holidays, so there might be a part two of tour, if everyone has time. 

I forget the name of this church. 

This is the view looking in the other direction. This church is in the Gothic style, indicated by the pointed arches. 

 The Scottish Doorway of St. James' Church. It is actually enclosed in plexiglass to preserve it from the elements, and dates from the 11th century.
Interior of St. James, decorated for Christmas. 


The Dom (Cathedral) of St. Peter in Regensburg. It's iconic profile dominates the cityscape. The right tower is under restoration, which according to a plaque at one of the museums, is a never-ending job. 
Sadly, despite the majestic surroundings and in some cases magnificent choirs, church attendance in Germany is very low. According to Fr. Gregory, maybe 30 people attend in each of the churches pictured. He said that between us, the Romanians, the Ukrainians, and the Russians, there are more Orthodox in church on a Sunday morning than all of the Catholics in Regensburg, and they outnumber us by a huge margin. 

In Germany, when you register your address, they ask you what church you belong to. If you are Catholic, Lutheran, or Jewish, and want to have the church marry and bury you, then you have to pay a church (or synagogue) tax of 8-9%. The state uses that money to maintain the churches and pay the clergy. There is a huge amount of money involved. That sounds strange to American ears, and that's what happens when there is no separation between church and state. Unfortunately, the result of the churches being so wealthy is that no one takes responsibility for their parish and its buildings. The state does it. That may be one reason for such low attendance. They want the church for their baptisms, weddings, and funerals, but otherwise, they stay away. I think it's good for us to be a little bit poor, but independent of the state. 

Today I went back to the Altstadt to start collecting souvenirs. I have to keep the volume and weight down, but what I'm getting are lightweight and small. I walked the Old Stone Bridge to see the Danube, which was flooding a few days ago. It looked to be back within its banks. Our landlord said some basements near the river get flooded, but that they are used to it. It's been happening for centuries! 

Happy New Year! (Einen guten Rutsch!)


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